Output details
15 - General Engineering
University of Southampton
New hydropower converters for very low-head differences
Significance of output:
Low head hydropower, with head differences below 2.5 m, is a currently largely unused source of renewable energy. Standard turbines are not economical and ecologically questionable for this application. The paper describes two hydropower converters specifically developed for low-head hydropower. Theoretical models were formulated, and model tests conducted. The predicted performance, with efficiencies between 70 and 90% was confirmed. The new technology is simple, i.e. cost-effective, and the large cell dimensions indicate ecological effectiveness. Currently two experimental installations are operational, and two commercial projects in the planning permission stage.
